Eva Soriano, the well-known comedian and radio presenter, has spoken out against the rampant online hate directed toward female television presenters, particularly after the announcement of Lalachus co-hosting the New Year's Eve celebrations with David Broncano. Since the news broke, social media has been flooded with derogatory comments and criticisms related to the physical appearance of both Lalachus and fellow presenter Cristina Pedroche. This unsettling trend has prompted Soriano to take a stand, using her platform on the radio program 'Cuerpos Especiales' to address these issues.
"Bueno, la movida es la siguiente. Ha habido personas que han decidido escribir mensajes sobre el físico de las presentadoras de televisión que van a dar las uvas. Más que las Campanadas, parece el pesaje de la UFC (Campeonato de Lucha Definitivo), ¿sabes?" she began, humorously illustrating the absurdity of the situation. Soriano highlighted how discussions about women's weight and appearance often seem more like weigh-ins than professional hosting duties.
While the criticism has struck particularly hard against Lalachus, who has chosen to respond to the negativity with grace and humor, the underlying issues Soriano raises cannot be ignored. "Entonces, me escama muchísimo, porque luego yo soy una persona que piensa mucho y digo: vale, el problema aquí será que la peña es híper gordofóbica," she expressed, clearly identifying the problem as one deeply rooted in societal attitudes toward body image.
But the issue transcends the individual; it is indicative of broader misogynistic standards imposed on women. "Luego analizas los mensajes y ya no es si una persona es gorda o no. Luego, en otro canal, tienes a alguien que es normativo y también hay problemas con esa mujer. Entonces, ya no es si eres gorda o flaca," Soriano continued, demonstrating how no one is exempt from judgment. Whether one is thin or curvy, young or old, the impossibly high expectations for women’s appearances remain relentless and damaging.
"O sea, ya no hay un punto de que no te gusta un perfil de mujer en concreto. Al final, lo que pasa es que no te gustan las tías. Si una mujer está gorda, si está flaca, si es guapa, si es fea, si tiene pelo largo, si tiene el cabello corto... ¡Ya está bien!" Soriano exclaimed, her frustration palpable. The relentless criticism, she argues, diverts from the real issue at hand: the promotion of unrealistic beauty standards enforced by society.
Through her passionate remarks, Soriano aimed to uplift and empower her fellow presenters, asserting their right to be respected regardless of appearance. "Es agotador, todo el rato, tener que cumplir con una serie estándares que, ni siquiera, se sabe cuáles son, porque es odio puro y duro," she declared, underlining the fatigue many women experience under societal scrutiny.
She concluded with an empowering message aimed at her peers, sending out her solidarity particularly to those who face backlash each year during the festive season. "A la Pedroche, que está en Antena 3. A Cristina Pardo, que está en laSexta. A Blanca Romero, que está en Mediaset. A Laura Escanes, que está en TV3. A Nia Correia, que está en TVE Canarias. Y, sobre todo, le quiero mandar un beso muy gordo a nuestra amiga y compañera y persona graciosísima, que es nuestra Lalachus," reflecting both her affection and support for women experiencing similar scrutiny.
Finally, Soriano's pointed remarks resonate as she reflects on the danger of allowing online negativity to overshadow the accomplishments of women. "La gente ha lanzado mensajes sobre ‘qué valiente’ es. ¿Pero, por qué? ¿Por ser una tía chulísima? ¿Por estar muy empoderada y hacer su trabajo? Basta ya de que todo lo llevemos al activismo. Así que un mensaje a todas y Feliz Navidad," she concluded, wishing the best for all those standing up against hate and spreading messages of encouragement and positivity during this holiday season.
